FORMER Jamaica Labour Party member of Parliament for West Rural St Andrew, Andrew Gallimore, has confirmed that he has tendered his resignation as chairman of the constituency.

Gallimore was beaten in last Thursday’s general election by the People’s National Party’s Paul Buchanan, who tallied 7,605 ballots to his 7,433. The National Democratic Movement’s Joan Porteous got 51 votes.

In a copy of his resignation letter, which was released to the media today, Gallimore cited family commitments and a desire to rebuild his business as the main reasons for his departure from representational politics. He said he had been mulling over the idea of removing

himself from the limelight for several months.

“It was my intention to make this decision public in two to two-and-a-half years so that my successor would have adequate time to take over. The results of the recent elections were not what I had hoped for or anticipated. Nevertheless, the people have spoken, and I accept their will which has merely moved my timetable forward,” he said.

“Against this background, I have tendered my resignation as the chairman for the constituency of St Andrew West Rural. I will do all in my power to facilitate a smooth transition and will make all the information that I have about the constituency available to the party,” he added.